Hobson-Jobson, Anglo-Indian dictionary

1886

Intro

As British control in India grew, the English language established itself and began to develop a local character. Linguist enthusiasts Henry Yule and Arthur Coke Burnell made notes on the Anglo-Indian words they came across. After Burnell’s death in 1882, Yule combined their lists into a 2,000-word dictionary, published in 1886, complete with copious literary citations.

On this page

Yule wanted an Anglo-Indian title for his dictionary that would attract interest and also suggest dual authorship. He chose Hobson-Jobson, the word for festival in Anglo-Indian but in particular the annual Shi’a Muslim commemoration mourning the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Yule’s definition for Hobson-Jobson is shown here.